Need some advice.

[pregnantmanatee]

Ok, so I am about to have a baby, which is awesome, but I don't have a camera anymore (stolen). I'm wanting to upgrade (even tho I don't have anything atm) to a dslr and honestly I'm being pulled in so many directions that I don't know which way is which.

At first I started out looking at the Canon t3i and then I was drawn to the Nikon d3200 because of the price mainly, but also because of the feel. So I was dead set on getting the Nikon D3200 and then I noticed the t4i and saw a video on youtube doing a great side by side comparison.

The reviewer was commenting on how the t4i has 9 focal points and that the d3200 only had 1 out of 9 (please excuse me because I don't know the lingo) which interests me. The t4i also seemed to have brighter pictures which I did like and the video seemed a little better too.

I will be using this camera as a video camera a lot too since I have a new baby on the way because I wanna try and capture every moment of the little mans life.

Ok after saying all of that. I am a complete beginner here. So I don't think it's worth investing a ton in a camera until I learn more so that is why I am looking for an entry level camera. What I love about the D3200 is the price, but I did find a t4i that's been refurbished (is a refurbished ok to buy)for like $575 which is in my price range!

Any help will be greatly appreciated because I have absolutely no idea what to do anymore....

 

[UtahManSir]

dpaul wrote:

Ok, so I am about to have a baby, which is awesome, but I don't have a camera anymore (stolen). I'm wanting to upgrade (even tho I don't have anything atm) to a dslr and honestly I'm being pulled in so many directions that I don't know which way is which.

At first I started out looking at the Canon t3i and then I was drawn to the Nikon d3200 because of the price mainly, but also because of the feel. So I was dead set on getting the Nikon D3200 and then I noticed the t4i and saw a video on youtube doing a great side by side comparison.

The reviewer was commenting on how the t4i has 9 focal points and that the d3200 only had 1 out of 9 (please excuse me because I don't know the lingo) which interests me. The t4i also seemed to have brighter pictures which I did like and the video seemed a little better too.

I will be using this camera as a video camera a lot too since I have a new baby on the way because I wanna try and capture every moment of the little mans life.

Ok after saying all of that. I am a complete beginner here. So I don't think it's worth investing a ton in a camera until I learn more so that is why I am looking for an entry level camera. What I love about the D3200 is the price, but I did find a t4i that's been refurbished (is a refurbished ok to buy)for like $575 which is in my price range!

Any help will be greatly appreciated because I have absolutely no idea what to do anymore....

For your purposes either camera will be more than you need for starters. Go to a store and handle one, if you like the way one feels compared with the other buy that one.

Refurbished usually is a very low risk option.

Good luck!

Lloyd

 

[pregnantmanatee]

UtahManSir wrote:

dpaul wrote:

Ok, so I am about to have a baby, which is awesome, but I don't have a camera anymore (stolen). I'm wanting to upgrade (even tho I don't have anything atm) to a dslr and honestly I'm being pulled in so many directions that I don't know which way is which.

At first I started out looking at the Canon t3i and then I was drawn to the Nikon d3200 because of the price mainly, but also because of the feel. So I was dead set on getting the Nikon D3200 and then I noticed the t4i and saw a video on youtube doing a great side by side comparison.

The reviewer was commenting on how the t4i has 9 focal points and that the d3200 only had 1 out of 9 (please excuse me because I don't know the lingo) which interests me. The t4i also seemed to have brighter pictures which I did like and the video seemed a little better too.

I will be using this camera as a video camera a lot too since I have a new baby on the way because I wanna try and capture every moment of the little mans life.

Ok after saying all of that. I am a complete beginner here. So I don't think it's worth investing a ton in a camera until I learn more so that is why I am looking for an entry level camera. What I love about the D3200 is the price, but I did find a t4i that's been refurbished (is a refurbished ok to buy)for like $575 which is in my price range!

Any help will be greatly appreciated because I have absolutely no idea what to do anymore....

For your purposes either camera will be more than you need for starters. Go to a store and handle one, if you like the way one feels compared with the other buy that one.

Refurbished usually is a very low risk option.

Good luck!

Lloyd

--
“For every problem there is a solution which is simple, clean and wrong.” Henry Louis Mencken
http://lloydshell.blogspot.com/
http://lloydshell.zenfolio.com/
WSSA #354
http://lloydshell.zenfolio.com/img/s3/v41/p234497562-3.jpg

Ok great! Thank you so much! I really like the feel of the Nikon 3200, but I also just got my hands on a Nikon 5200.

If we were to compare to D5200 to t4i, which would you go with? Because I think I can get it the D5200 in my price range.

 

[Sir Pics A Lot]

Nowadays, all entry level dSLR's are very good. Don't forget to look at Sony and Pentax as well. Their cameras are also very good. Nikon and Canon aren't the only manufacturers of quality cameras.

The biggest difference between entry, mid, and pro level cameras is mainly the number of dedicated buttons and dials. For entry level, you need to go through menus to change settings, whereas settings on more expensive cameras can be quickly changed by pressing a button or spinning a dial.

I would recommend getting a cheaper entry level camera and buying a 50mm f/1.8 lens with the money you save. This lens is perfect for taking pictures with a limited depth of field (nice for baby portraits) or in low light.

 

[Draek]

Sir Pics A Lot wrote:

Nowadays, all entry level dSLR's are very good. Don't forget to look at Sony and Pentax as well. Their cameras are also very good. Nikon and Canon aren't the only manufacturers of quality cameras.

The biggest difference between entry, mid, and pro level cameras is mainly the number of dedicated buttons and dials. For entry level, you need to go through menus to change settings, whereas settings on more expensive cameras can be quickly changed by pressing a button or spinning a dial.

I would recommend getting a cheaper entry level camera and buying a 50mm f/1.8 lens with the money you save. This lens is perfect for taking pictures with a limited depth of field (nice for baby portraits) or in low light.

And, you know, brighter video (since you can't drop the shutter speed below a set limit, for obvious reasons).

I very much second getting an entry-level body with a 50/1.8 lens, from whatever manufacturer feels better on the hand and has an offering within budget.

 

[pregnantmanatee]

This is killing me! I can't come to a decision on any of these. I have the money and I'm ready to purchase.

I like the Canon t4i or t5i because of the touch screen and everything I read its way more user friendly. Which is a good thing since I'm new. I also like the brightness in all the colors when it's sunny or in a well lit room. Although, the thing that makes me unsure about this camera is I keep reading consistent reviews that this cameras video is pretty bad. The flash also seems to overexpose most of the time. So everyone suggests buying a flash separate.

The Nikons seems to be a better camera in many ways. For one the video in both the D3200 and D5200 seems to be a lot better. Also in low light the Canon can't even compete. The Nikons built in flash is surprisingly good and if you were to get a better lens for either of these cameras it would demolish the canon t4i and t5i. Everything I read talks about how great the sensors are in the Nikons. Another thing that beats out the canons.

So now I gotta ask myself. Is the user friendly Canon what I should go with or am I willing to work at the Nikons to have a overall better camera? I'm really 50/50 on this.

Say I go with Nikon. Which one should I got with? The D5200 with the movable LCD is nice considering I will be videotaping prob about 30% of the time. But the price of the D3200 is very nice! With both I'm gonna have to buy a better lens, which I have been told the 35mm 1.8 is the way to go. Oh, another thing that concerns me about the Nikons is the customer service issues. I have read a ton of horror stories, whereas their are very few complaints on the Canons.

With everything said I am so confused on what to do. I have felt all the cameras and honestly I like them all.... I have no idea what to do....

Which one would u all go with in my situation?

Canon t5i
Canon t4i
Nikon D3200
Nikon D5200

 

[Cailean Gallimore]

dpaul wrote:

Ok, so I am about to have a baby, which is awesome, but I don't have a camera anymore (stolen). I'm wanting to upgrade (even tho I don't have anything atm) to a dslr and honestly I'm being pulled in so many directions that I don't know which way is which.

At first I started out looking at the Canon t3i and then I was drawn to the Nikon d3200 because of the price mainly, but also because of the feel. So I was dead set on getting the Nikon D3200 and then I noticed the t4i and saw a video on youtube doing a great side by side comparison.

The reviewer was commenting on how the t4i has 9 focal points and that the d3200 only had 1 out of 9 (please excuse me because I don't know the lingo) which interests me. The t4i also seemed to have brighter pictures which I did like and the video seemed a little better too.

I will be using this camera as a video camera a lot too since I have a new baby on the way because I wanna try and capture every moment of the little mans life.

Ok after saying all of that. I am a complete beginner here. So I don't think it's worth investing a ton in a camera until I learn more so that is why I am looking for an entry level camera. What I love about the D3200 is the price, but I did find a t4i that's been refurbished (is a refurbished ok to buy)for like $575 which is in my price range!

Any help will be greatly appreciated because I have absolutely no idea what to do anymore....

('OK, so.' < Not sure what that means, if anything...)

In practice, any of the cameras you mention will do a very good job. There are no 'bad' DSLRs so you you don't need to worry about buying a 'bad' DSLR. The idea that one camera is better because it produces 'brighter images,' is utter nonsense, as every camera can be adjusted to produce images with the brightness, colour saturation and contrast you prefer.

Be aware that after a certain point, reading reviews and comments on the internet about various cameras becomes counter-productive, and that you sound like you've reached that point.

Go to a store, handle the cameras, and make a decision without trawling the internet for more opinions from random unknown people - some of whom will have never even handled the cameras they are happy to give opinions about. Lol.

Good luck.

 

[dougeryb]

Ok, so I am about to have a baby, which is awesome, but I don't have a camera anymore (stolen). I'm wanting to upgrade (even tho I don't have anything atm) to a dslr and honestly I'm being pulled in so many directions that I don't know which way is which.

At first I started out looking at the Canon t3i and then I was drawn to the Nikon d3200 because of the price mainly, but also because of the feel. So I was dead set on getting the Nikon D3200 and then I noticed the t4i and saw a video on youtube doing a great side by side comparison.

The reviewer was commenting on how the t4i has 9 focal points and that the d3200 only had 1 out of 9 (please excuse me because I don't know the lingo) which interests me. The t4i also seemed to have brighter pictures which I did like and the video seemed a little better too.

I will be using this camera as a video camera a lot too since I have a new baby on the way because I wanna try and capture every moment of the little mans life.

Ok after saying all of that. I am a complete beginner here. So I don't think it's worth investing a ton in a camera until I learn more so that is why I am looking for an entry level camera. What I love about the D3200 is the price, but I did find a t4i that's been refurbished (is a refurbished ok to buy)for like $575 which is in my price range!

Any help will be greatly appreciated because I have absolutely no idea what to do anymore....

If you have friends that use one of the systems, you may want to consider going with the same brand so you can share gear (lenses) and system tips/tricks. If not, go with the one that feels right both physically in hand and in navigation (buttons and menu system).

Both Canon and Nikon are excellent brands that will produce years of quality photos! You really can't go wrong with either.

 

[jvkelley]

dpaul wrote:

I like the Canon t4i or t5i because of the touch screen and everything I read its way more user friendly. Which is a good thing since I'm new.

I suspect this won't be as big of a deal as you're making it out to be. With whatever camera you get, read the manual, and take plenty of test shots using different settings. If you take your time to learn your camera, you'll find that it is user friendly enough.

I also like the brightness in all the colors when it's sunny or in a well lit room.

This might be a factor if you're planning on using straight out of the camera jpegs, but if you shoot in raw or post process your pictures, you can get nice colors out of any camera. Same with exposure image brightness. If you take your time to learn how your camera behaves in various scenarios, you can get nice bright photos out of any camera.

Although, the thing that makes me unsure about this camera is I keep reading consistent reviews that this cameras video is pretty bad.

The flash also seems to overexpose most of the time. So everyone suggests buying a flash separate.

On-camera built-in flash usually doesn't look very good (even if it exposes correctly). Getting a flash that you can bounce off the ceiling or walls, or one that you can take off your camera and trigger wirelessly can significantly improve your photos. This is a little more advanced, and I'd personally suggest that you get comfortable operating your camera without a flash first. Nikon users seem to like their external flash system more than Canon users.

The Nikons seems to be a better camera in many ways. For one the video in both the D3200 and D5200 seems to be a lot better. Also in low light the Canon can't even compete. The Nikons built in flash is surprisingly good and if you were to get a better lens for either of these cameras it would demolish the canon t4i and t5i. Everything I read talks about how great the sensors are in the Nikons. Another thing that beats out the canons.

So now I gotta ask myself. Is the user friendly Canon what I should go with or am I willing to work at the Nikons to have a overall better camera? I'm really 50/50 on this.

Say I go with Nikon. Which one should I got with? The D5200 with the movable LCD is nice considering I will be videotaping prob about 30% of the time. But the price of the D3200 is very nice! With both I'm gonna have to buy a better lens, which I have been told the 35mm 1.8 is the way to go.

I have a Canon 70D with a flip out screen. I love it. I'd totally recommend a camera that has one.

Even if you get a prime or two, I'd still recommend getting a kit zoom lens.

Oh, another thing that concerns me about the Nikons is the customer service issues. I have read a ton of horror stories, whereas their are very few complaints on the Canons.

Honestly, how often do you think you'll deal with customer service? Even if it's completely horrible, if you only have one camera and a couple lenses, you'll probably end up calling them once or twice at most.

With everything said I am so confused on what to do. I have felt all the cameras and honestly I like them all.... I have no idea what to do....

Which one would u all go with in my situation?

Canon t5i
Canon t4i
Nikon D3200
Nikon D5200

To me, it sounds like you really want the Nikon, but have a few concerns. I don't think these concerns are that big of a deal, and I think you'll be happy with any of your choices. Since you want us to vote, I'm going to say Nikon D5200.

 

[pregnantmanatee]

Ok I went and handled both the D5200 and the t5i today at best buy and I have to say I did like the feel of the Canon more. The Nikon definitely wasn't bad so it wasn't a deal breaker for me.

After sitting down with the wife and showing her all the pros and cons she's leaning towards Canon because of comfort, the friendly user interface, touchscreen, and the Canon seems to be superior right out of the box.

I'm still leaning towards the Nikon D5200 because everyone I continue to talk to keeps telling me as far as video goes the Nikon wins hands down and if your willing to get a new lens like the 35mm f1.8 then as far as picture go the Nikon will blow the Canon out of the water... Is there anyway to beef up the Canon so it can take just as good videos as the Nikon? I'm not going to be using my dslr for video 24/7 but I do want to have great quality family videos.

Oh one more thing about the Canon vs. Nikon. The Nikon has 39 focus points vs Canons 9.... I know I'm no pro now so I prob won't be able to tell the difference, but photography has always been something that has interested me and now that I'm comfortable financially I want to be able to get the best bang for my money, ya know... I have roughly $1000 I'm willing to throw at this (after tax) but at this point I'm so delirious that I have no idea which one to go with....

Thank you all for all your advice, I really really appreciate it.

With everything I have just said what do you all suggest?

 

[whvick]

dpaul wrote:

This is killing me! I can't come to a decision on any of these. I have the money and I'm ready to purchase.

Which one would u all go with in my situation?

Canon t5i
Canon t4i
Nikon D3200
Nikon D5200

You will not go wrong with any Canon or Nikon. This is no disservice to the other brands, but I myself had an experience years ago where I was heavily invested in Konica and lenses. They quit SLRs and I had to switch to another brand. The 30 Year old Konica stuff is still gathering dust. Since Nikon and Canon are so dominant they are the least likely to go under and leave you stuck with no where to go.

Personally I am really impressed with the Canon SL1, but mostly I would say go to the store and just see which one fells best in your hands. Either brand will serve you well.

Good luck with your choice

whvick

 

[dougeryb]

Ok I went and handled both the D5200 and the t5i today at best buy and I have to say I did like the feel of the Canon more. The Nikon definitely wasn't bad so it wasn't a deal breaker for me.

After sitting down with the wife and showing her all the pros and cons she's leaning towards Canon because of comfort, the friendly user interface, touchscreen, and the Canon seems to be superior right out of the box.

I'm still leaning towards the Nikon D5200 because everyone I continue to talk to keeps telling me as far as video goes the Nikon wins hands down and if your willing to get a new lens like the 35mm f1.8 then as far as picture go the Nikon will blow the Canon out of the water... Is there anyway to beef up the Canon so it can take just as good videos as the Nikon? I'm not going to be using my dslr for video 24/7 but I do want to have great quality family videos.

Oh one more thing about the Canon vs. Nikon. The Nikon has 39 focus points vs Canons 9.... I know I'm no pro now so I prob won't be able to tell the difference, but photography has always been something that has interested me and now that I'm comfortable financially I want to be able to get the best bang for my money, ya know... I have roughly $1000 I'm willing to throw at this (after tax) but at this point I'm so delirious that I have no idea which one to go with....

Thank you all for all your advice, I really really appreciate it.

With everything I have just said what do you all suggest?

Canon has Magic Lantern:

Magic Lantern | Home

Magic Lantern is a free addon for Canon EOS DSLR & MILC cameras that adds a host of features to assist photographers and videographers. Unlock your Canon!

www.magiclantern.fm

Although not developed for the t5i yet, I'm sure its in the works. The video features Magic Lantern gives Canon EOS cameras is unmatched.

 

[pregnantmanatee]

dougeryb wrote:

Ok I went and handled both the D5200 and the t5i today at best buy and I have to say I did like the feel of the Canon more. The Nikon definitely wasn't bad so it wasn't a deal breaker for me.

After sitting down with the wife and showing her all the pros and cons she's leaning towards Canon because of comfort, the friendly user interface, touchscreen, and the Canon seems to be superior right out of the box.

I'm still leaning towards the Nikon D5200 because everyone I continue to talk to keeps telling me as far as video goes the Nikon wins hands down and if your willing to get a new lens like the 35mm f1.8 then as far as picture go the Nikon will blow the Canon out of the water... Is there anyway to beef up the Canon so it can take just as good videos as the Nikon? I'm not going to be using my dslr for video 24/7 but I do want to have great quality family videos.

Oh one more thing about the Canon vs. Nikon. The Nikon has 39 focus points vs Canons 9.... I know I'm no pro now so I prob won't be able to tell the difference, but photography has always been something that has interested me and now that I'm comfortable financially I want to be able to get the best bang for my money, ya know... I have roughly $1000 I'm willing to throw at this (after tax) but at this point I'm so delirious that I have no idea which one to go with....

Thank you all for all your advice, I really really appreciate it.

With everything I have just said what do you all suggest?

Canon has Magic Lantern:

http://www.magiclantern.fm

Although not developed for the t5i yet, I'm sure its in the works. The video features Magic Lantern gives Canon EOS cameras is unmatched.

--
Gear: Anything to shoot with, be it a phone, a disposable camera, or my kids Nerf digi-cam.

So you honestly think that the t4i + magic lantern makes The Canon better than the D5200?

Can anyone else chime in on this because this may be a game changer for me.

 

[dougeryb]

I would say if video were your primary focus, then yes to canon. If stills, then the 5200.

Most importantly, I would see which makes your better half happy. The more happy she is with the system, the more likely she'll say yes to the 70-200 and other$$$ lenses you'll be wanting
--
Gear: Anything to shoot with, be it a phone, a disposable camera, or my kids Nerf digi-cam.

 

[digitallollygag]

Get the Canon SL1 and be done with it (unless you really need that flip-out screen). Add the 40mm pancake lens to the kit lens, and you've got a killer, compact setup. (No, I'm not a Canon fanboy, but a I am a Nikon shooter).

 

[pregnantmanatee]

dougeryb wrote:

I would say if video were your primary focus, then yes to canon. If stills, then the 5200.

Most importantly, I would see which makes your better half happy. The more happy she is with the system, the more likely she'll say yes to the 70-200 and other$$$ lenses you'll be wanting
--
Gear: Anything to shoot with, be it a phone, a disposable camera, or my kids Nerf digi-cam.

Lol very good point sir.

 

[FizixDude]

Have a look at the comparison between the Nikon D5200 and Canon T4i (650D) over at CameraLabs.com, in particular the resolution image crops:

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_D5200/RAW_quality.shtml

JPEGs look similar to the RAW crops in comparison.

In my opinion the T4i crops blow away the D5200 - to me they are far more vibrant and detailed, or in the words of the reviewer "clean and punchy". In particular the third crop of the corner of the building shows much better detail, range, and color.

I'm suspecting this is a result of slight over exposure in the D5200 that metered the image at 1/400s exposure vs. the T4i which metered at 1/500s exposure.

Can anyone comment on the exposure? Is there some other issue? I imagine the lens might cause some softness, but it doesn't seem like softness is the only issue here.

Could this be corrected on a "regular basis" on the D5200 (without having to correct it every time I turn the D5200 on/off or shoot a new picture)?

Everything else suggests the D5200 sensor in particular is better for image quality. The noise images certainly show the strength of the D5200.

Thanks from another D5200 / T5i debater.

 

[UtahManSir]

FizixDude wrote:

Have a look at the comparison between the Nikon D5200 and Canon T4i (650D) over at CameraLabs.com, in particular the resolution image crops:

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_D5200/RAW_quality.shtml

JPEGs look similar to the RAW crops in comparison.

In my opinion the T4i crops blow away the D5200 - to me they are far more vibrant and detailed, or in the words of the reviewer "clean and punchy". In particular the third crop of the corner of the building shows much better detail, range, and color.

I'm suspecting this is a result of slight over exposure in the D5200 that metered the image at 1/400s exposure vs. the T4i which metered at 1/500s exposure.

Can anyone comment on the exposure? Is there some other issue? I imagine the lens might cause some softness, but it doesn't seem like softness is the only issue here.

Could this be corrected on a "regular basis" on the D5200 (without having to correct it every time I turn the D5200 on/off or shoot a new picture)?

Everything else suggests the D5200 sensor in particular is better for image quality. The noise images certainly show the strength of the D5200.

Thanks from another D5200 / T5i debater.

I hate to bag on any "Professional" review but you have to compare with the exact same lens which is tough to do between different systems. The glass is going to make more difference than the camera. Besides, unless you are going to make HUGE prints 100% crops are relatively meaningless.

Lloyd